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Little Apples Popcorn Balls

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword dried apple treat, fall snack, molasses popcorn, popcorn balls
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 balls
Spiced popcorn balls with molasses, toasted walnuts and dried apples. A chewy fall treat to wrap up for lunchboxes or party favors.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter plus extra for greasing hands or spoons
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup white corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ginger
  • A small pinch of cloves
  • 1/2 cup popped popcorn
  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 cup dried apples cut small

Directions

  • Butter a large bowl, your hands, or two spoons lightly.
  • Put the popcorn, walnuts, and dried apples in the bowl.
  • In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the butter, both sugars, molasses, corn syrup, and spices. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 280°F.
  • Pour the hot syrup over the popcorn mixture and stir fast to coat.
  • While it is still warm, shape into balls.
  • Let cool completely before wrapping or storing.

Notes

Room temperature, airtight: up to 3 days. Refrigerated, airtight: up to 4 days (let sit out briefly before serving). Frozen, well wrapped: up to 3 months; thaw wrapped at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 36g | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1.6g | Fat: 6.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 2.8IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for 12 balls; white corn syrup counted as light corn syrup, popped popcorn counted as air-popped popcorn. Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.